Protests

I firmly believe in our American right to support or protest whatever we wish.  I refuse to buy pizza from Domino's because they fund anti-abortion groups.  The only time I shop at Walmart is when I am in Alva, Oklahoma because I really don't like its treatment of its female employees.  When my kids were growing up, I protested Shania Twayne's song "Any Man of Mine" on the grounds of reverse sexism. 

I also don't have a problem trying to enlist others to your position.  In this new world of social media, this tactic runs the risk of being abusive.  One of my relatives frequently posts about the lack of prayer in school, groups trying to get rid of "In God We Trust" references on our money and government buildings.  And these posts usually end with something like "if you are a Christian, repost."  Another friend who is Catholic frequently posts anti-abortion, anti-gay marriage messages and ends with a message similar to my relative.  Another friend is currently on a rampage against Mitt Romney who is not "Christian" while also bashing Obama for not being "American."

For the most part, I ignore these posts.  Facebook and Twitter are not the best places to engage in meaningful dialogue about our differences.  Plus these are just four friends.  I feel compelled, however, to take a position after last week's Susan G. Komen/Planned Parenthood uproar.  I am a liberal Christian.  I voted for Obama because there was no way I would vote for Sarah Palin.  I would love the opportunity to vote for a woman but refuse to vote for one that is not qualified.  I support a woman's right to choose.  I have had three children whom I cherish.  I just don't think anyone should be forced to be pregnant against their will.  If you don't want to have an abortion, don't.  If you don't want others to have one, maybe your efforts should be go to better birth control, better sex education and harsher penalties for men who sexually abuse women.  I don't have a problem with "God" being on our money or our government buildings as long as everyone continues to enjoy the right to practice believing in whatever. I think adultery is a bigger threat to the institution of marriage than gay marriages.  Really, shouldn't we support people being committed to one another no matter what. Prayer still exists in schools.  I just don't think state employees (teachers) should be involved in leading it.  I don't think Muslim students, Hindu students Wiccan students, atheist students should be forced to listen to a Christian prayer just as I don't Christian students to be led in prayer 5 times a day by their Muslim teacher.

I think people would be better served by seeking an way to increase love and acceptance in the world instead of trying to draw tiny boxes that separate people.